Public Perception of Robot-Assisted Spine Surgery

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Robotics
• Public Health

Background:

• Patient perception is crucial for the adoption of robotic assistance in spinal procedures.
• Public understanding and perception of robot-assisted spine surgery remain largely unexplored.
• This study addresses the gap in knowledge regarding public views on robotic spinal operations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the general public's perceptions of robot-assisted spine surgery.
• To understand public expectations and concerns related to robotic spinal procedures.
• To evaluate the impact of live demonstrations on public acceptance of surgical robots.

Main Methods:

• A 15-item questionnaire was administered to public attendees at a live demonstration of the Globus ExcelsiusGPS™ spine robot.
• Participants' demographics, prior knowledge, mental representations, expectations, and emotions were assessed.
• Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests, including chi-square, Wilcoxon, McNemar, and logistic regression.

Main Results:

• 81.9% of participants felt reassured by the robot after the demonstration, an increase from 61.3% before (p = 0.007).
• Preference for robot-assisted surgery rose significantly from 50.5% to 64.5% (p < 0.001).
• Individuals with back issues reported greater confidence in robotic capabilities (p = 0.032).

Conclusions:

• The public generally views robot-assisted spine surgery favorably, perceiving it as precise and efficient.
• Live demonstrations are effective in building public trust and acceptance of robotic surgical systems.
• Positive public perception may influence patient choice, impacting hospital economics, though alternative methods like computer-assisted navigation are also noted.